Torkington says the government may suspend the controversial S92a until the 27 March if no agreement is reached between the parties on how to implement it.

Currently, New Zealand and representatives of overseas rights holders are negotiating with the Telecommunications Carriers Forum (TCF) on how to draft a code of practice for terminating the internet access for users accused of infringing copyrights.

Even if there is an agreement, Torkington says the government will monitor the first six months of the new regime and review the progress then.

InternetNZ welcomes the government's decision to defer the commencement of Section 92A and to suspend it if no agreement can be reached, says InternetNZ executive director Keith Davidson in a press release. "New Zealanders can breathe a sigh of relief that their internet access is no longer under threat due to unproven allegations of copyright infringement," says Davidson. "Section 92A still needs to be fully repealed. It is disproportionate and unfit for purpose. But this deferral is a good start," he says.

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